Preview:

Mumbai Indians:

Evin Lewis’ return from injury saw Kieron Pollard drop back out of the Mumbai Indians’ XI in their win against Kings XI Punjab last time out. The big-hitting West Indian all-rounder has been short of form in this year’s competition. Lewis’ return saw Ishan Kishan drop down to number three, while JP Duminy also dropped down the batting order. Duminy did not bat and only bowled one over, and Pollard and Dananjaya could be possible replacements for the out-of-form South African.

Another half-century, his third in nine matches so far, took Suyakumar Yadav to 340 runs in the 2018 IPL. Captain Rohit Sharma has weighed in with two 50s, including a 52-ball 94 against Royal Challengers Bangalore and weighed in with 24 from 15 balls in his last match. Mayank Markande and Hardik Pandya both took their 12th wickets of the tournament so far, meanwhile, and Krunal Pandya scored a quick-fire 31 not out with the bat.

Mumbai Indians won just their third game of this year’s IPL when they defeated Kings XI Punjab by six wickets in their most recent match. Mumbai reached their 175 target with an over to spare thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s half-century. They have now won two of their last three matches, either side of a 14-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Prior to that defeat they beat Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets, with Rohit Sharma hitting 56 not out from 33 balls.

Kolkata knight Riders:

Nitish Rana missed the last game with the same back spasm that forced him to retire hurt against Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was the only change, with Jacques Kallis sticking with a fairly consistent XI in recent matches. Rinku Singh was the man to replace him. Big question marks surround Mitchell Johnson’s form, however – he has been wicketless in his last three matches and expensive too, with his four overs costing 51 runs against Chennai last time out. Tom Curran could be recalled in his place.

Andre Russell has contributed with bat and ball this season, passing 200 runs thanks in no small part to his unbeaten 88 against Chennai Super Kings earlier in the season. He took 3/31 in the win against Royal Challengers Bangalore, meanwhile. Dinesh Karthik is Kolkata’s top scorer with 280 after bludgeoning 45 from 18 balls in the last match. Chris Lynn has 260 opening the batting, while Shubman Gill weighed in with an unbeaten half-century in the win against Chennai. Sunil Narine took 2/20 with the ball in that game and now has ten wickets and 193 runs in this year’s tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders have won their last two matches, successfully chasing against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings to win both matches by six wickets. Last time out, Shubman Gill hit 57 from 36 balls as Kolkata chased down 178 to win in just 17.4 overs. It was the perfect response to heavy defeats to Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab in their previous two matches.

Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders Prediction:

Mumbai Indians have a superb record in this fixture and have returned to winning ways in perfect time for their double header against the Kolkata Knight Riders. They have won two of their last three matches and can make a late charge for the top-four if they continue their recent form against Kolkata.